Baltimore County Now

Participating Restaurants to offer Specials July 31 through August 15 ranging from $15.15 - $35.15

Today, at Kooper’s Jacksonville, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz announced the tenth Baltimore County Restaurant Week to begin on Friday, July 31. At the kick-off, Kamenetz was joined by promotion partner Keith Scott, president/CEO of Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce. Fifty-nine Baltimore County restaurants have joined the summer promotion.

The participating restaurants from across the County will feature special menus at discounted, fixed prices, offering one to three course brunch, lunch, and dinner specials ranging from $15.15 to $35.15.

“Foodies and patrons alike look forward to Restaurant Week – it’s a great time for them to experience places they’ve been meaning to try at a big savings,” stated Kamenetz. “I encourage everyone to experience the many diverse cuisines in the County and support the local restaurant industry.”

“Baltimore County’s restaurants provide not only enjoyment for its patrons, but employment to nearly 25,500 workers in its 1,567 establishments,” said Scott. “The restaurant industry is big business in Baltimore County, bringing in $1.4 billion in sales yearly.”

The blog title sums up what some criminals think about this time of year. There are some things to think about whether you’re on your way to the ocean or staying at home.

Burglars are opportunists and look for the easiest way in. Unlocked doors and windows make life simple for a burglar. If you can, resist the temptation to leave windows ajar at night, or when you go out during the day when the weather gets hot. It’s easy to pry a window open if given a little wiggle room at the bottom of the window.

You can’t always stop burglars, but you can deter them by making it difficult to enter your home.

Sheds and garages are targeted more in the summer months. They often have bicycles and lawn equipment inside. Heavy duty locks on sheds slow down a criminal and may deter him altogether.

Have a family member or trusted neighbor pick up your mail and all other deliveries. Piles of mail in the mailbox are clues to your absence.

Going away? The world can wait to see your vacation pictures until you get home.

Share memorable moments with family and friends through texts or emails. Steer clear of social media when you’re on the road.

Use location spotters on smart phones with caution. The GPS tells your friends and family where you are. The spotter is also a helpful tool for a burglar. He can estimate how long he has to steal your valuables before you arrive home.

There are people we inadvertently tell that we are we going away: the bank cashier, the cashier at the store, the person at the doctor’s office. We are so excited at the prospect of a vacation, we need to share it. Be careful sharing your plans with people you don’t know.

If possible, check your credit cards and bank cards while you’re away. This will help you guard against credit card or identity theft while you’re having fun.

Check your smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors before you leave for vacation or that quick, one day get-away. If a fire breaks out, the alarm could save your home and maybe a neighbor’s home as well.

Have a nice summer, have a great vacation and when driving, be sure to buckle up.

Whether you prefer classical in the park, folk along your local main street, some smooth jazz at a winery or vineyard, or rockin’ riffs at a raucous festival; there is something for everyone in Baltimore County with more than 150 concerts taking place this summer. Best of all, many of them are free and kid-friendly, so there is no need shell out for the babysitter.

With so much going on there is no excuse to spend a weekend evening at home watching Netflix (the new episodes of Orange is the New Black will still be there when you get home). Those winter doldrums will be back around before you know it, and you’ll be glad you spent your summer afternoons and evenings with some great music!

Here is a complete list of outdoor music and dance concerts throughout the summer.